Jobs for the Jobless

Featured Author:

Elizabeth Hoyt

Elizabeth Hoyt is the editor of Fastweb as well as a contributing writer and social media manager.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, where she majored in Journalism, specializing in Apparel and Textile Design.
Her experience in the communications field spans both print and online publications, including newspaper and magazine writing as well as work within marketing, public relations and the non-profit sector.
In her spare time, Elizabeth can usually be found in Chicago’s local vintage markets scoping out rare finds, vegetarian restaurants, volunteering at local animal shelters or elbows deep in creative projects within her Lincoln Park apartment.
Follow her on Google+ or contact her via email here.

More articles from this author:

If you find yourself unemployed, don’t fret. You’ve got tons of potential, you just need to utilize it! Plus, there are plenty of easy, money-making opportunities out there to fill the void during your job-search.

Check out these easy, money-making opportunities you can utilize in order to keep your bank account full while on the prowl for a full-time position in your field.

Get ready to wear a lot of different hats because it’s going to be a very interesting ride!

GigWalk and Zaarly are great options if you’re looking for company-assigned jobs like collecting data, mystery shopping, reviewing brands and evaluating services. oDesk hires more contract-based positions for virtually every field.

At Shopkick, you won’t actually get paid, but you’ll get rewards for doing tasks (think free lattes for a certain number of store walk-ins). Not a bad deal, especially if you were already planning on going to Target in the first place.

Create

Do you have a knack for something creative?

Share your talents on sites like Etsy, where people buy and sell unique homemade goods.

You can also create and sell goods on your own web site, utilizing creative web platforms like Pinterest to advertise for free.

Just take photos of your creations and share with others, linking back to where they can purchase your items.

Haul

This one requires a vehicle, but if you have such a resource, it can be fruitful. You can make cash using your car by assisting people with rides, hauling heavy items (especially if you have a well suited car, like a pick-up) or running errands.

Sell

If you’ve got a closet full of clothes or a house full of items you don’t wear or need, sell them!

You can sell locally on Craigslist or there’s always that little site known as Ebay.

If you haven’t heard of the newest clothing resale craze, Poshmark makes the process about as painless as possible. On the app, you can take photos to list your items.

When you sell an item, the company sends you a printable shipping label. That way, all you have to do is put your item in a box and tape on the provided label. Once the buyer receives the item, they’ll give you the option of direct deposit or credits for the site.

Who said making money had to be difficult?

Care

Are you great with kids or the elderly? Babysitting gigs can really rake in the dough and, lucky for you, it’s a job that will always exist!

Pay varies on area, whether or not a nanny lives-in, the number of children and a variety of other factor but, if you enjoy spending time with children, it’s a great way to pass the time.

Check out web sites like Care.com, SitterCity, Babysittingjobs.com or, even, Craigslist for childcare opportunities in your area.
There are also great opportunities in caring for the elderly, but most require a degree or certification.

If you’re looking for side-jobs but have such qualifications, check out TheCaringSpace or Care.com’s elderly care section.

Write

Have you ever considered freelance writing? Before you write it off (bad pun intended), consider it. Because, here’s the thing about writing: if you write what you know, you’ll likely be decent at it.

Write about a subject you’re passionate about and pitch your stories to local newspapers, online and print magazines or blogs.

Thrift

Attend local garage sales, resale shops and vintage/antique markets to pickup goods you think collectors might like to purchase. Then, resale them on sites that vintage lovers frequent, like Poshmark, Ebay and Etsy.

Pets

Pet owners will pay a pretty penny to ensure their fur-balls are in the right hands. If you’re an animal lover, why not offer dog-walking or pet-sitting services?

Depending on where you live, rates vary, but you can certainly make money doing so! Hook up with opportunities via sites like DogWalker.com, or check out Care.com and SitterCity’s pet sections, which also offer dog walking services.

Whether dogs or cats catch your fancy, there are plenty of paws to go around!

Utilize the above tips to keep yourself afloat in the meantime and keep yourself active and sharp. Keep in mind, however, that no matter how many side jobs you take on, your full-time job search should be your number one priority.

Teach

You can always fall back on your basic skills and teach or tutor other in conversational English (or any other language skills you may have).

Language is a necessity in this world and others are always looking for kind, patient teachers. You could easily make up flyers and place them around town in local coffee shops, churches and schools and hope for a bite.

Sites like Craigslist are always great to advertise your services, also!